G4S and the GMB work jointly to ensure that health and safety issues are always a priority
4 May 2010
G4S and the GMB prioritise Health and Safety
With one of the strongest union relationships in the security industry, G4S Cash Solutions (G4S) understands that effective consultation with unions on safety matters is invaluable to the wellbeing of the company and its employees. With 28th April marking the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, G4S took the opportunity to look back at recent successes and to focus on how it can continue to work effectively with unions to bring further improvement in the future.
With GMB representatives in place at G4S throughout the UK, many of whom work on a front line operative basis, their knowledge and experience should never be underestimated. Often they will be the first to hear of, or witness, an issue within the workplace, so clear and open communication channels with G4S have been essential to ensure that this information is fed into a formal health and safety review process.
Speaking about the importance of effective collaboration in the industry, Jude Brimble, National Officer for the GMB, said: ‘'The Health and Safety of our members in the CIT industry is a top priority for the GMB. That's why we have a strong proactive approach to working with G4S in a collaborative way that ensures safety is always top of the agenda for the union and the company. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the joint work we do day in day out on reducing violent crimes and attacks against CIT crews.
“Over many years we have established a joint approach with G4S on piloting new working practices and using technology to enhance safety, undertaking joint investigations, encouraging the sharing of ideas. There has been significant investment in robust training, and the ongoing close dialogue through the safety committees has proved invaluable. The joint approach we have taken with G4S is an example of good practice that has ensured that the health and safety of the workforce is at the heart of everything that happens on a day to day basis.”
Julian Duxfield, HR Director, G4S Cash Solutions (UK) comments: “Our relationship with the GMB is central to our employee relations strategy. The strength of this partnership is largely founded on the mutual trust that has built up over the years, and is continually re-enforced with a clear and structured communication channel between all parties. This is just one example of how G4S and the GMB are driving improvements within the business and as a result bringing about improved employer relations.”
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Notes to editors:
Current Health and Safety case studies from within G4S include:
Working together puts G4S Cambridge at the top of the class!
G4S has implemented a "balanced scorecard" system to measure its health and safety within its branches. The score takes into account three years accident statistics and two years audit performance, so a solid track record of improvement is needed to get a good score. With Cambridge branch the current leader in performance, the secret of their success is the teamwork that exists between manager Melanie Kydd and the GMB representative Lynda Seamen. Mel and Lynda work together on the branch's "T card" system of self inspection which ensures that when an auditor arrives unannounced, they are always ready. The branch also operates a safety "issue register" - a live document which logs any problems identified on audit, T card checks, issues raised by Lynda and the staff. The issue is prioritised, logged and discussed at the local health and safety meeting. Progress is tracked and everyone can see that their views are taken seriously.
GMB and the G4S lobby to help cash crews in Southend
CIT operatives can be placed at risk if traffic restrictions mean they have to park some distance away from customer premises. G4S therefore operates a system of customer site surveys in which the walking distance and other factors such as camera coverage - are thoroughly checked out. Solving the problem can cause difficulties for local authorities concerned for the safety of pedestrians in precinct areas. At Southend, GMB representative Alan O'Brien helped the branch to secure access to a pedestrianised area by lobbying the council directly. G4S ensures its vehicles operate safely in the area by assessing its drivers before they are allowed in a company vehicle and providing reversing cameras and alarms.
Contact details
- Lindsay Fox (Marketing Communications Manager): +44 (0)20 8722 2410
Media Enquiries
- G4S Media Enquiries: +44 (0)7973 672 649
About G4S
About G4S Cash Solutions (UK)
A subsidiary of G4S plc, G4S Cash Solutions is the leading UK provider of cash solutions, including secure cash transportation, ATM outsourcing solutions and outsourced till management. In the UK we deploy more than 7,000 employees and utilise a fleet of around 2,000 vehicles throughout a network of 44 cash transportation branches and 10 cash and coin centres.
About G4S plc
G4S is the world's leading security solutions group, which specialises in outsourcing of business processes in sectors where security and safety risks are considered a strategic threat. G4S is the largest employer quoted on the London Stock Exchange and has a secondary stock exchange listing in Copenhagen. G4S has operations in more than 110 countries and over 595,000 employees. For more information on G4S, visit www.g4s.com.